Girls’ Weekend in Memphis
Every few years, my friends from high school and I pick a city, pack our cutest weekend bags, and meet up for three glorious days of catching up, laughing until our mascara runs, and eating like we have the metabolism of a teenager. This year’s lucky city? Memphis, Tennessee.
Why Memphis? Because when your group chat is filled with “I just want good food, good drinks, and maybe something quirky,” Memphis practically raises its hand and says, “Honey, I got you.” Plus, it’s easy to get to for all of us — and let’s be real, any city known for both fried chicken and Elvis is bound to be a good time. Also, one of us lives there, so she planned the whole thing! Thanks Paula!
We met up back in March, when the weather was doing that “I might be spring, but I also might be winter” thing. Luckily, we were too busy eating, drinking, and reminiscing to care.
Table of Contents
Friday Afternoon: Global Café — A Passport Without Leaving Memphis
A few of us managed to catch earlier flights and decided to kick things off at Global Café (1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 137, Memphis, TN 38104), a nonprofit food hall that serves authentic dishes from around the world, all made by immigrant and refugee chefs. It’s like a culinary round-the-world trip in one meal.
I had Ethiopian lentils, one friend ordered Venezuelan arepas, and another had a plate of Nepali momos. Every bite was a reminder that Memphis is so much more than BBQ (although you should probably eat that too). Global Café feels warm and welcoming, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable — which means you can absolutely justify ordering dessert.
Night One: Fried Chicken, Friendships, and the Kind of Laughing That Hurts Your Cheeks
When the rest of the crew arrived, we headed straight to dinner at Hen House (679 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117). If you’ve never been, Hen House is Memphis’ love letter to fried chicken — and I’m happy to report it’s as crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned as you’re imagining.
There’s something magical about that first meal together after months (or years) apart. Within minutes, we were back to our high school rhythm — finishing each other’s sentences, reminding each other of ancient inside jokes, and wondering why we ever let so much time pass between meetups.
Karaoke at Dru’s Place: Because the ’90s Called and We Answered
After dinner, it was time for karaoke at Dru’s Place (1474 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104). Dru’s is a dive-y, welcoming LGBTQ+ bar that’s big on personality and even bigger on community. The karaoke crowd is an eclectic mix of locals and visitors, and everyone cheers for everyone — whether you’re belting Whitney Houston like a pro or mumbling your way through “Sweet Caroline.”
We sang our hearts out to everything from Baby Got Back to I Will Survive.
Saturday Brunch: Champagne and Tapas (Because Why Not?)
The next morning, we rallied for brunch at Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas (1586 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104). If you’re imagining dainty little plates, think again — Esco delivers both quality and quantity. I started with a mimosa (as one does), then moved onto shrimp and grits so creamy I considered proposing to the chef.
The place has a lively, celebratory atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve been invited to a very fashionable birthday party — one where the dress code is “look cute but be comfortable enough to eat a lot.”
Bass Pro Shop Pyramid: Views Worth the Elevator Ride
Memphis’ Bass Pro Shop is… an experience (1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105). First, it’s shaped like a giant pyramid. Why, because it used to be a basketball stadium. Second, it’s part sporting goods store, part aquarium, part lodge, and part observation deck with some of the best views of the Mississippi River.
We took the world’s tallest free-standing elevator to the top and stepped out onto the glass observation decks. If you’re afraid of heights, this is your moment to prove how brave you are — or at least how good you are at pretending. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset, and you can even grab a drink at the top if you want to linger.
The Ducks at the Peabody: Memphis’ Most Adorable Celebrity Sighting
Before dinner, we went to see the Peabody Ducks. If you don’t know about this Memphis tradition, let me enlighten you: twice a day, the hotel’s resident ducks strut their way from their rooftop palace to the lobby fountain like they own the place — because they do.
It’s cute. It’s charming. (149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103). They splash around like tiny celebrities while a crowd of adults and children alike snap photos and cheer. I was stunned how crowded it was, so I recommend getting there a little early. We barely made it there in time, so I had to go upstairs and look down to see it.
Saturday Night Dinner: The Beauty Shop
Dinner that night was at The Beauty Shop (966 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104), an eclectic restaurant that used to be — wait for it — a beauty salon where Priscilla Presley once got her hair done. The vintage hair dryer chairs are still there, and the décor is a mix of retro glam and funky charm.
The menu is globally inspired, with everything from watermelon and wings to wood-fired pizzas and perfectly grilled steaks. We shared dishes and sipped creative cocktails.
After Dinner: Beale Street
Post-dinner, we headed to Beale Street. This iconic strip is alive with neon lights, live music pouring out of every doorway, and enough people-watching opportunities to keep you entertained for hours. We hopped between bars, danced to blues and rock, and reminded ourselves that even though we’re older than we were in high school, we can still stay out past midnight. Barely.
Sunday Brunch at TE’KILA UNION AVE: Margaritas Before Noon
Sunday morning, we embraced our “vacation rules” philosophy — namely, that it’s socially acceptable to drink tequila before noon — and went to TE’KILA UNION AVE (1350 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104) for brunch. Yes, they have eggs, pancakes, and breakfast tacos, but the margarita menu is the real star.
Sunday Afternoon: Crosstown Concourse
After brunch, we wandered over to Crosstown Concourse (1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104), a massive renovated Sears building turned into a multi-level hub for art, dining, and culture. We browsed the free art exhibits and popped into the Memphis Listening Lab, a music lover’s dream with thousands of records, CDs, and music books to explore.
Soaking up History at Sun Studio
To wrap up our weekend, we headed to Sun Studio (706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103) for a tour. This is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis all recorded, and the tour is full of fascinating stories and vintage equipment.
Things We Didn’t Do But You Absolutely Should If You Have Time
Even though we packed our weekend with food, music, and sightseeing, there are a few Memphis must-dos we didn’t squeeze in:
- Shelby Farms Park – One of the largest urban parks in the country, perfect for a walk or bike ride.
- National Civil Rights Museum – A powerful, moving museum located at the Lorraine Motel.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music – A vibrant celebration of soul’s history.
- Memphis Riverboats – Take a cruise on the Mississippi for city views and history.
Tips for Planning Your Own Memphis Girls’ Getaway
- Stay Downtown – You’ll be close to most attractions, and you can walk or grab short rideshares everywhere.
- Make Reservations – Brunch spots and popular restaurants book up fast, especially on weekends.
- Pack Comfy Shoes – Memphis is walkable, but those cobblestone streets aren’t stiletto-friendly.
- Plan for Late Nights – Whether it’s karaoke or live music, Memphis knows how to keep the party going.
- Come Hungry – Seriously, the food is half the reason to come here.
Final Thoughts
Memphis turned out to be the perfect backdrop for a weekend of friendship, fun, and more fried chicken than I care to admit. It’s a city with soul — in its music, its food, and its people — and it delivers the kind of experiences you’ll talk about for years.
As we hugged goodbye on Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t help but feel grateful — not just for the food and the views, but for the kind of friends who will belt out ’90s karaoke with you and then cheer for ducks the next morning. That’s the real magic of a girls’ trip: it’s not just about where you go, but who you’re with.
So if you and your girlfriends are looking for a place that’s equal parts lively, laid-back, and delicious, put Memphis on your list. Just save me a seat at karaoke — I’ve got “No Scrubs” queued up and ready.
